Controversial televangelist Apostle James Ng’ang’a has suggested that the land hosting his Neno Evangelism Centre church, situated at the intersection of Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway, was purchased for Ksh.42 million from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). This revelation emerges amid ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into several parcels, including the one occupied by Ng’ang’a’s church, following claims that they belong to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Lands, Ng’ang’a detailed his acquisition of the land, which commenced in 2004 when the government advertised it for sale. He recounted encountering a ‘land for sale’ sign from CBK and engaging with the institution, eventually securing the plot for an initial price of Ksh.32 million. However, subsequent developments led to a revised purchase price of Ksh.42 million.
Ng’ang’a explained that he enlisted the assistance of Equity Bank to finance the acquisition, completing the payment by 2008. The property was then registered under the name ‘Neno Evangelism Centre.’ Despite this transaction, complications arose years later when Ng’ang’a received a letter from KRC in 2020 expressing an interest in reclaiming the land.
In response, Ng’ang’a asserts that he presented relevant documentation to former Cabinet Secretary James Macharia and former Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) Director-General Maj-Gen Mohammed Badi during a meeting summoned to address the matter. Despite demonstrating the validity of his ownership, Ng’ang’a claims that the issue was not pursued further following the presentation of supporting documents.
Further insights into the land’s history were provided by Ng’ang’a, who referenced his research into Nairobi City Council records, revealing that the land was initially owned by Kenya Finance Bank before being acquired by CBK after the former’s collapse.
Consequently, the lands committee has requested Ng’ang’a to furnish all supporting documentation within 14 days. The EACC, on the other hand, has identified multiple parcels, including the one owned by Ng’ang’a, originally designated for KRC use but now under private ownership. Specifically, parcel number 209/12361, associated with Apostle Ng’ang’a, is highlighted as part of a road junction aimed at enhancing traffic safety and visibility.
